In the years since my IPF diagnosis, I’ve became fearful of many things. Some of my fears came from thoughts I had buried deep inside my mind, which I didn’t dare speak about out loud, whereas other fears developed as a result of experience. One thing I wasn’t scared of initially when I was diagnosed was cold and flu season, however, after being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) a few years back as a result of a viral infection; the fear of cold and flu season has since developed and intensified.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies cold and flu season as beginning in October, with peak prevalence of influenza between December and February. This means that we’re in the season where colds and flus are starting to circulate, and I can feel my fear and anxiety rising as those around me are coughing, sneezing and sniffling.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu isn’t just characterized by vomiting and other gastro-intestinal (GI) related issues. The flu virus can also severely affect the respiratory system, which poses significant risk to those of us living with life-threatening lung conditions such as IPF. Unfortunately, the risk of exposure and contracting the flu or other respiratory viruses for those of us living with IPF increases as a result of being immune-compromised. Patients living with IPF are considered high-risk when it comes to catching the flu because of our weakened immune systems.

It is not always possible to avoid catching the flu or other types of illness as a chronically ill patient, however, we all have a responsibility to be proactive in protecting ourselves. Not only is it important for patients to take precautions and steps to keep themselves healthy; this is also critically important for those in care-giving roles as well.

Here are a few precautions and preventive measures you can take to stay healthy:

Carry & use hand-sanitizer regularly:While I can’t confirm which brand is most effective, a close friend of mine who is a nurse told me about the importance of using hospital-grade hand sanitizers. The ones that smell nice from soap stores or homemade versions of hand sanitizers are typically less effective. Cut the enjoyable scent and use hospital-grade hand sanitizers to help eliminate germs off public surfaces, which you may touch and then bring in contact with your eyes, nose or mouth.

Be possessive of your items & wipe down afterwards:did you know that your phone is one of the fastest ways to spread germs? Many of us, myself included, hand over our phones to others to show photos, read a text or make a call for us, however, this is one of the fastest ways to transmit viruses. Other items that people carry for me frequently include my portable oxygen concentrator (POC), purse or water bottles. If someone touches your personal items, take the initiative to wipe them down with a germicidal wipe, which kills cleans 99.99 percent of microorganisms. Keep this in mind for public use items as well including grocery cart handles, doorknobs, computer keyboards or shared phones.

Wear a mask or avoid public spaces:I am very selective about which social events to attend during cold and flu season, because the fear of getting sick is overbearing sometimes. If you know someone is ill, avoid them or the areas they frequent. Patients with IPF should be proactive in taking precautions to avoid illness in places with large crowds as well, such as airports, public transit or office environments. If you must be present in these spaces, wearing a mask is important.

Drink lots of fluids, eat well and get your rest:while this is important throughout the year, doing these tasks helps keep your immune system as strong as possible.

Add vitamin C to your medication routine:Increase your vitamin C intake: adding vitamin C to your daily routine could help strengthen your immune system. Whether you take a vitamin C tablet, or increase the amount of foods you consume that are rich in vitamin C; both should help with keeping you healthy this cold and flu season.

Fist pump, don’t shake hands:after falling ill in May of 2017 from a respiratory virus, landing me in the ICU, I’ve stopped shaking others’ hands. I never want to come off as rude or uninviting, however, I prioritize keeping other people’s germs away from me. In an effort to do this, I no longer shake others’ hands and instead offer a fist pump upon greeting someone new. This is especially true around the holidays, where there are many hugs and kisses underneath the mistletoe.

In addition to these precautions, you can also inquire with your doctor on receiving the flu shot. What things do you do to stay healthy during flu season? Tell me in the comments below!

IPFF’s website including any and all content directly or by linking to a third-party website is for informational purposes only. IPPF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For more information click here.

5 Comments

Mary Lou Ramirez
on December 12, 2019 at 3:57 pm

Thank you for your tips. I come from a very loving family that always kiss and hug. So I guess I’ll have to refrain from doing it. I hadn’t thought about any of this things. I was diagnosed in July so I’m still trying to accept it. It was very hard to hear that I have a fatal disease. I’ll just have to learn to live with it.

This is Mary E. I was diagnosed in 2017 but thought it was just an extension of my asthma. It was in late 2018 that I received papers on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and it stated in a pamphlet that it is terminal even tho that word wasn’t mentioned. I have avoided groups including family weddings, showers and in Jan my first great grandsons birthday. It’s over an hour away and hard for me to sit in a vehicle that long. Plus cold and flu season is scary. I wear 2 face masks at church to avoid perfumes, aftershave, and colds. Thank you for reiterating what I should be doing but don’t like to do in family gatherings. I haven’t joined in til now but I think I need to. God Bless you all for sharing. Even family members don’t understand what this is and what we have to do to protect ourselves.

My husband, 68 years old was diagnosed of IPF March 2018. With this world & health crisis, we are scared now. We are protecting ourselves wearing mask, gloves & sanitizer always on hand on top of washing our hands very often. We stay home. The least we can do is continue praying for each & everyone of us. One day at a time, we thank God for every morning we wake up & give us another day to live.